Sol return hit by injury worry

Last updated at 08:29 09 February 2006

Sol Campbell's bid to make his return to the Arsenal side against Bolton this weekend could be hampered by an ankle problem.

The England international resumed training on Monday after taking some extra time off following his disappointing display against West Ham, when he was at fault for the Hammers' opening two goals and substituted at the break.

Wenger believes there is no better way for the 31-year-old to get back on track than to throw himself into the job at hand.

And he will monitor Campbell's progress after the defender is understood to have aggravated an old injury which has been troubling him for some time.

With the likes of Kolo Toure still on African Nations Cup duty for finalists Ivory Coast, the experience of a fully focused and fit Campbell would be a welcome addition to the Arsenal back line.

Lauren will be out for the rest of the season after the defender underwent knee surgery last week, although youngster Kerrea Gilbert (back) may be in contention again after having to sit out last weekend's 2-0 win at Birmingham.

England full-back Ashley Cole (thigh) and Pascal Cygan (hamstring) are still receiving treatment, and may have an outside chance of being involved against Bolton at Highbury on Saturday. Gael Clichy remains out as he recovers from a broken foot.

The 2-0 win at Birmingham renewed hope Wenger's men can overhaul north London rivals Tottenham, currently in fourth spot, and force their way into the reckoning for Champions League qualification.

Arsenal fielded a young side against the Blues, which included teenagers Cesc Fabregas and Abou Diaby in midfield.

Alexander Hleb had to be content with a place on the bench, playing the final nine minutes after having started the previous weekend in the FA Cup game at Bolton.

The 24-year-old Belarus international arrived at Highbury from Stuttgart during the summer, but was linked with a switch back to the Bundesliga amid reports he was frustrated at the lack of starting opportunities.

However, the midfielder declared he had no intentions other than going on to become an integral part of the Gunners side.

"I am very happy at Arsenal," Hleb insisted. "I love playing Premier League football, this is an exciting opportunity for me and I am determined to do well here. The Arsenal fans are great and I love playing in their team."

As he looks to avenge their FA Cup defeat in Lancashire last month, Wenger may include youngster Theo Walcott in the squad again. The 16-year-old netted his first goal for the club in the reserve match against Portsmouth.

Wenger believes the win over Birmingham will have lifted everyone's spirits, especially given it was achieved with such a young side. "We had a good result and we need that focus to continue to do well," Wenger told PA Sport.

"We had a very young side out against Birmingham and it is good for morale to do well like that when you are so young a team."